The nurses’ strike that brought services at public health facilities to a halt in Siaya county has been called off following an agreement between the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) and the county government.
In the agreement signed between the union officials and the county government top brass, led by county secretary Joseph Ogutu, the nurses resolved to suspend their industrial action for 30 days to give the devolved unit time to address their grievances.
Addressing the media at the county headquarters, the county secretary said both parties agreed on the contended matters.
“We have signed an agreement with the union officials that paves way for the nurses to resume duties with immediate effect,” said Ogutu.
He was flanked by among others, the county executive committee member for health, Dr. Martin K’onyango, and the chief officer for governance, Walter Okello.
KNUN Siaya branch secretary Hamisi Kennedy said they have decided to suspend the strike following consultations with their employer and the union’s national office.
Hamisi called on the local nurses to ensure resumption of duties immediately.
The branch chairman, Dennis Omollo said the union signed the agreement in good faith, adding that as officials, they were confident that the employer will address all the contentious issues.
Last Friday, health services in the county came to a halt when nurses downed their tools, protesting against the county government’s failure to address their grievances.
The nurses took to the streets of Siaya town and marched to the governor’s office to seek audience with the top county officials.
Among their grievances are the delayed promotions, chronic understaffing, and their employer’s failure to remit statutory deductions on time.
They further accused the government of failure to absorb nurses who have served under the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) program on contract for over five years and failure to implement key provisions of the collective bargaining agreement signed with KNUN that introduced improved nursing and uniform allowances.
By Philip Onyango
